Chapter 27
“Okay, to save time, I have my leotard on underneath my clothes.”
Allie said as she and Jules took their seats at the aquatics center.
“We won’t be able to stay too long because you have to
warm-up.” Jules informed her. “Nate is saving Aaron a seat at the hall, so once
he’s done with everything here Aaron has a seat.”
“And then I don’t have anything until the 23rd. And my
birthday party is tonight after everything.” Allie said.
“Today is going to be crazy, because you will need to warm
up. So, not too much kissy face with your honey when you go down there to
congratulate him.” Jules warned.
“I’ll try not to.” Allie said, smiling big.
“It’s good to see you smiling like that Lexi.” Jules said,
smiling and then turning to the pool. “What event are we watching?”
“200 meter backstroke.” Allie said, as the guys marched out.
“Aaron is in Lane 4.”
“They all kinda look the same with the swim caps on.” Jules
joked.
“Then try the swim cap that says Peirsol on it.” Allie
replied, making the two laugh.
They were on the edge of their seats as they watched the
race. The moment Aaron’s hand touched the pool’s edge and he stopped swimming,
Allie nodded at Jules and made her way to congratulate him.
Aaron made his way over to her and smiled. “Hey pretty lady.”
He said.
Allie opened her mouth to say congratulations on the gold
medal when they heard a groan from the crowd. Both Allie and Aaron turned to the
standing board and received the shock of their life. Aaron had been
disqualified.
“What the hell?” Allie asked, as she watched Aaron shake his
head. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I’ll be right back.” Aaron said.
Allie staid in her spot, nervously biting her nails. Aaron
was disputing the call, trying to figure out what was going on. And, he was also
chewing on his nails.
Jules came up behind Allie and watched her for a second
before she spoke. “You should be looking at leaving.” Jules said.
“I can’t.” Allie replied, not looking away from Aaron.
“Allie, you have an event to get ready for.” Jules tried to
reason.
“Then I forfeit.” Allie said, turning and looking at Jules.
“I’m not leaving.”
“Alexis, this is your dream. This is what you have been
training your whole life for. Are you willing to just give it up?” Jules asked
her.
“Jules, I just know that I need to be here right now. And
until we know what happened, or he has that gold medal back, I’m not leaving
this spot.” Allie said forcefully, surprising Jules.
“Your parents are going to kill you and me.” Jules said as
she stood next to Allie and wrapped an arm around her supportively.
Aaron walked back over, still chewing on his nails. Allie
held out a hand and he took it in his own. She gave him a sympathetic squeeze.
The crowd cheered as a time replaces the word disqualified on
the board. Allie smiled as she squeezed Aaron’s hand once more.
“Congratulations. Looks like part of my birthday wish came true.” Allie said.
Aaron smiled at her and took a look at Jules. She was rocking
back and forth from the balls of her feet to her toes, and she looked ready to
go. “Go make the other part come true Allie.” He said, leaving over and placing
a quick kiss on her cheek.